Skelbo Castle

The ruins of Skelbo Castle sit on a low rise above the flat farmland between Dornoch and the Dornoch Firth, and honestly, they're quite modest - a crumbling rectangular tower with walls thick enough to suggest serious medieval intent, but not much else left to speak of. Built sometime in the 14th century, it's one of those Scottish castles that's had the stuffing knocked out of it over the centuries. There's no interpretation board, no café, no proper visitor infrastructure. You simply park up nearby and walk over to have a look.

It's the kind of place that appeals most to castle enthusiasts and history types with a taste for the obscure - people who get a genuine kick out of standing in a field and imagining what stood here 600 years ago. Kids will likely lose interest after ten minutes unless they're properly into clambering over old stones and inventing siege stories.

The firth views from up there are decent enough, and the walk itself is straightforward and flat. Allow thirty minutes max if you're being thorough, less if you're just passing through. It's free, naturally, since there's nothing stopping you walking onto the field.

If you're basing yourself at Dornoch Caravan & Camping Park or Parkdean's Grannie's Heilan' Hame Holiday Park, Skelbo makes for an easy afternoon detour. It won't blow your mind, but it's worth the fifteen-minute diversion if you're already in the area exploring Dornoch's cathedral and beaches. Go when it's not raining - the ground gets boggy.